CRAFTING ATTACHMENT – Emotional Value and Participation in Second-Hand Fashion

CRAFTING ATTACHMENT is a project exploring how we can change the perceived value of second-hand garments with the use of participatory design and material practices in order to change shopping habits among young people aged between 18-30 and fight against the mass production and overconsumption with denim and denim dyeing

In today’s world, fast fashion is one of the biggest sources of pollution when it comes to the environment. In times like these, it is very important to show alternatives and help people see the value in preloved garments. Most people also know very little about dyeing processes and how natural methods and dyes have almost everywhere been replaced by chemical alternatives. Because of my personal interest in denim, I used the material together with woad, — the European indigo — to build a stronger emotional relationship between garments and people.

By designing two workshops focused on planting, dyeing, and making, I gave participants insight into the full process of producing garments, while also deepening their connection to the clothes they create and wear. I wanted to change their mindset about clothing consumption and encourage a more conscious and emotionally connected relationship with garments, while also addressing issues within modern fashion. With this project, I explore the environmental impact of fast fashion, the loss of traditional dyeing practices, and the emotional disconnection people have from their garments. I challenge the disposable mindset created by overconsumption and encourage a more conscious relationship with clothing.

One of the key challenges of circular fashion systems is that they are often not perceived as desirable by consumers (Frahm et al., 2025). The industrial revolution and global trade transformed fashion in the same way they have transformed culture, blurring the lines between countries, languages, and people for better or for worse(Guild, 2026). I believe that through care, fostering emotional connection and adopting a different attitude towards our everyday items we can change.

Working with natural dyes during the process further expanded the understanding of collaboration beyond human interaction alone. The dyeing process required attentiveness to the behavior of plants, materials, temperature, and time. Processes involving woad and indigo dyes could not be entirely controlled, creating moments of unpredictability and adaptation. From a more-than-human perspective, the plants themselves became active participants within the making process, shaping outcomes alongside human intention.

“Organic outcomes don’t have to be perfect.”

I believe after these sessions I planted real seeds of change, and from the feedback I received, this hands-on experience helped participants to understand the problem, gained knowledge about dyeing practices and connection to clothing. This hands-on research project also helped me shape my role as a designer and as a change agent. Understanding the value of repair, reuse, redye and transformation we unlocked a new perception of seeing the industry and potentially make it more sustainable.

References

Frahm, L. B., Mugge, R., & Laursen, L. N. (2025). Walk a mile in someone’s sweaty second-hand shoes: Differences in motivations and barriers for second-hand products. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 219, 108307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108307

Guild, H. (2026, March 22). A Brief History of Fashion as a Status Symbol. History Guild. https://historyguild.org/a-brief-history-of-fashion-as-a-status-symbol/